Harrison Bader Might Have a Role in Right Field, After All

[Cody Schoenmann]

Wednesday's lineup signaled that the Twins might have more options than we thought at a spot where depth was very much in question.

Image courtesy of © Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

 

This Wednesday, manager Rocco Baldelli constructed a unique lineup, in what was otherwise a conventional Grapefruit League exhibition game between the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. Facing right-handed starting pitcher Tanner Houck, left-handed hitting Matt Wallner remained in the leadoff spot, a role he has occupied often this spring. However, instead of playing right field (the position he occupied in his previous 10 starts), the power-hitting lefty started at designated hitter. Those who follow the team had wondered how the lineup would be constructed when the team was facing a right-handed starting pitcher and Wallner wasn’t in right field. (Presumably, such days will be rare once the season starts, but it's still important to get the answer to that question.)

Would Trevor Larnach shift over from left field? Would Willi Castro be thrown into a position at which he has rarely played over his major-league career? Interestingly, neither of those happened Wednesday. Instead, right-handed hitting Harrison Bader got the nod.

Now, on the surface, there shouldn’t be much surprise over a plus defensive outfielder playing a corner spot, but doing so seemingly ran counter to club decision-makers' messaging when Minnesota signed Bader in early February.

In an article from Star-Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller on Feb. 18, Baldelli discussed which position the erstwhile Cardinal would play. Unsurprisingly, the skipper said that Bader would function as Byron Buxton’s primary backup in center field. Yet, he also shared that the club plans to provide Bader extended opportunities in left field.

“At our ballpark, when you’re talking about the corners, [left field] is a much bigger playing surface than right field," Baldelli said. So I think putting one of the best outfielders in the game in left field, as opposed to right, makes some sense.” 

The last time Bader played left field in the majors was in 2018, when he netted 29 ⅔ innings over six appearances at the position for the St. Louis Cardinals. He played the position in 2017, too, with a nearly identical 29 innings played over seven appearances. Despite limited playing time at the position, though, Bader should thrive in left, given his ability to thrive defensively in center field. That being the case, there is reason to believe he could also perform at an above-average rate in right, where he has spent more time over his career. 

Like left field, the last time the Florida product played right field was in 2018 with St. Louis. However, he accumulated significantly more playing at the position that season, generating 270 innings over 38 appearances. He also played 7 ⅔ innings at the position in 2017. Right field is slightly roomier at Busch Stadium. So, like Baldelli, St. Louis decision-makers were purposely placing Bader in the more spacious corner. That said, he has more experience at the position, meaning Minnesota doesn’t need to limit him to just left field, and starting him in right field this past Wednesday seemingly validates that notion.

When Baldelli announced that the club would provide Bader opportunities primarily in center and left field, those following the team began speculating about who would play right field when Wallner was out of the lineup or starting at designated hitter. If Wednesday’s lineup signals extended opportunities for Bader in right field, though, the picture becomes much more apparent.

When Minnesota faces a left-handed starting pitcher, Bader could play right field, and Castro could slot into left, a position he is much more familiar with. When Wallner is starting at designated hitter against right-handed starting pitchers, Bader could also slot into right field, with Larnach staying in left. Providing Bader playing time at right field is wise, especially considering the lack of options at the position after Wallner and Larnach. Although Baldelli’s initial comments signaled Bader would primarily play center or left field, the club has seemingly yielded to its own preference for flexibility.

 

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[NYCTK]

Makes sense, you want the 4th OF to feel comfortable in all 3 positions. 

[Nashvilletwin]

Duh, he’s a right-handed bat.  He will see the field (left or right) in the fifth inning (or earlier if it’s a really “high leverage” situation) whenever a lefty is brought in to face Larnach or Wallner. 

[chpettit19]

Willi Castro has 332 innings in 44 games in right field in the majors.

This isn't a surprising development in the least. Harrison Bader is going to play a lot of games for the Twins. Target Field may have a bigger left field than right field, but not every park does. And they play half their games in other parks. Bader will get time in all 3 outfield spots. How they choose to mix and match 1B/DH and cOF/DH will determine how much time he gets.

[tony&rodney]

It's the Twins. Bader will get plenty of playing time at all three outfield positions. After all, the veteran outfielder is the jewel at the center of all their offseason dreams. We have seen this before already. Hopefully, Bader has a fun time and manages to produce at an acceptable level.

[Jocko87]

Probably right in line with Rocco's comments there are some road venues where he makes more sense in right field over left.  Houston and Boston off the top of my head but I'm sure there are others. 

[jorgenswest]

I started to respond about Bader and line up implications but realized that it will probably send this off the topic of Bader. I pasted my fear of the all right handed line up that Bader in RF foreshadows in a separate article.

 

[thelanges5]

Does he keep a scissors in his locker or does he order them missing one sleeve and cropped?

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, thelanges5 said:

Does he keep a scissors in his locker or does he order them missing one sleeve and cropped?

Yes

 

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, thelanges5 said:

Does he keep a scissors in his locker or does he order them missing one sleeve and cropped?

 

I'm pretty sure it's a compression sleeve on his right arm. Polanco used to play with one all the time.

[bean5302]

Bader is going to play every day, I suspect. He'll take PA away from Larnach and Wallner on a regular basis except when Buxton is hurt or resting at DH. Baldelli has shown a desire to shield Larnach from LHP to the extreme, less extreme with Wallner.

[chpettit19]

13 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Bader is going to play every day, I suspect. He'll take PA away from Larnach and Wallner on a regular basis except when Buxton is hurt or resting at DH. Baldelli has shown a desire to shield Larnach from LHP to the extreme, less extreme with Wallner.

Based on the last few days worth of lineups, it looks like Miranda may be losing PAs to Bader as well as they've been putting Bader in the OF with Wallner DHing over Miranda in a lineup with all the other guys who are expected to be everyday guys.

[Parfigliano]

2 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Bader is going to play every day, I suspect. He'll take PA away from Larnach and Wallner on a regular basis except when Buxton is hurt or resting at DH. Baldelli has shown a desire to shield Larnach from LHP to the extreme, less extreme with Wallner.

This is the thought that keeps me awake at night.

[Aerodeliria]

I'm no manager, but this is kind of article is aggravating to consider (nothing against the article). It seems like nothing changes despite the claims of a 'new' approach based upon deeper understanding of the game....it's mindful of the Luis Arraez rap, namely that he simply cannot hit lefthanded pitching despite his hitting approach. The Marlins immediately thought this was hogwash and said you're in the lineup 24/7 unless you're injured.  Lo and behold, he started raking against lefties.

[Major League Ready]

Seems more likely that Bader would take PAs from Miranda than Larnach or Wallner .  If Wallner or Larnach is not in the OF, they will be the DH against RHP and Miranda against LHP. 

[LambchoP]

I'm fine with Bader out in right field and Wallner/Larnach at DH. As long as they don't take too many at bats away from Miranda. We've all seen how Miranda can crush righties, so on days were he can't DH maybe let Miranda play first. Of course Frances bat has looked good so far too. These issues always work themselves out, it's a good problem to have too many bats.